State To Release Autism Strategy

The state Department of Community Health will roll out its plan to address the needs of people with autism. There are about 50,000 people in Michigan with autism.

The Capitol in Lansing.

Credit File photo / WKAR

Autism is a disorder that effects communication and social skills. Lisa Grost directs the state’s autism program. She says autism is one of the fastest‑growing medical diagnoses, "so we know there are a lot of people out there who are living with autism who are now going to get the services that they need.”

Grost says that includes everything from childhood autism treatments to helping adults with autism find jobs and live independently. Michigan enacted a law last year that requires insurance companies to cover childhood autism treatments.